Autumn Surprises Await Shoppers at the 27th Annual Autumn Country Folk Art Festival
Posted by Laura Nelson on September 5, 2009
Featuring something of interest for everyone in the family, the 27th Annual Autumn Country Folk Art Festival is an eclectic market of unique treasures handmade by American artisans. Items that range from whimsical to classical take center stage at the September 25, 26 & 27 at the new Kane County Fairgrounds Convention Center in St. Charles.
The Festival will feature whimsical furniture by Wheaton artisan Peterine Svoboda, dolls and paintings by Mystele Kirkeeng of Crystal Lake, and a new children’s book by artist/illustrator/author Will Moses.
These artisans are a sampling of the award-winning roster of participants in the Autumn Country Folk Art Festival, judged one of the country’s finest traditional markets of its type by Early American Life Magazine.
Ceace Giddings of Evanston’s FolkWorks Gallery will discuss “American Quilts–A Woman’s Art”’ on Sat., Sept. 26, at 2pm. Giddings is an experienced authority on quilts and her lecture is included in the admission charge. Following the presentation, Giddings will verbally appraise guest’s quilts for a charge of $10 each, with a two-quilt limit. Proceeds of the appraisals will benefit Evanston History Center.
Tom and Pat Hooper of ASL Pewter will present “Pewter–An American Icon” on Sun., Sept. 27, 1pm. ASL Pewter provided more than 500 pieces seen in a recent PBS miniseries on the life of one of America’s founding fathers, John Adams. Following their presentation, the Hoopers will raffle a pewter ink well.
Artisans returning to the autumn show include Dan DiPaolo, whose Fried Green Tomatoes art productions have intrigued visitors for years. Tony Costanza, known for his creative carvings, will also return, as will Dan Coble, with his exquisite painted furniture, and Vaillancourt Folk Art, one of America’s few remaining Christmas ornament and collectibles makers.
All artisans presenting their work will be present to meet and greet visitors at the Country Folk Art Festival, an excellent source for imaginative one-of-a-kind gift items or exclusive high-end historic crafts.
The Autumn Country Folk Art Festival takes place Fri., Sept. 25, 6-10pm; Sat., Sept. 26, 11am-6pm; and Sun., Sept. 27, 11am-4pm. Weekend admission is $8. Children younger than 15 attend free. Ask about group rates. At the new Kane County Fairgrounds Convention Center, Randall Road between Routes 64 (North Ave.) and 38 (Roosevelt Rd.), one mile west of downtown St. Charles. Free parking.
For info, call (630) 858-1568 or visit www.folkartfest.com.
